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In a political effort to hamstring Ohio House Democratic lawmakers in a pro-gun, anti-gun debate today on the House floor, Republicans brought forward House Bill (HB) 233 for a vote, legislation that allows concealed carry permit holders to knowingly bring guns or deadly weapons into daycares, schools, airports, bars and other restricted spaces, so long as the permit holder leaves when asked to do so. Individuals who refuse to leave or return to the same business while carrying a prohibited weapon within 30 days will be subject to a fourth degree misdemeanor.

“Americans value and enshrine in our constitution the right to manage weapons under our roof. This concept is enshrined in the 2nd Amendment, against the forced quartering of soldiers. For a young child in a daycare center, that center is essentially their home, and the caregivers are charged with protecting the children as if they were their own,” said Rep. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo). “Under this bill, even private homes can be subject to knowing, purposeful trespass with a firearm. Whether it is a daycare, a restaurant or a shelter, the owners and managers have the right to set rules for how they will protect those in their care or under their roof.”

The Violence Policy Center shows that facts don’t support Ohio Republicans’ political argument for loosening concealed carry protections in the state. Since 2007, the group has tracked at least 800 murders at the hands of concealed carry killers. The group also shows people with concealed carry permits have carried out at least 29 mass shootings since 2007.

The bill also modifies the list of places required to post signs notifying consumers of prohibited weapons. Under HB 233, daycares and certain government buildings are no longer encouraged to post prohibited weapon signage, and airports must alter their signage placement from the airport facility to passenger or screening checkpoints.

State Reps. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) and Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today sent a letter asking Attorney General Mike DeWine to appoint special state prosecutor to determine the extent of criminal activities of the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) publicized by Auditor Dave Yost in a stalled audit released today. The lawmakers are also asking that a special prosecutor determine whether state negligence contributed to additional taxpayer fraud, and whether or not state officials are liable for any additional fraud that developed as a result of their negligence or malfeasance.

State Reps. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) and Thomas West (D-Canton) today introduced a joint resolution to establish universal preschool in Ohio. The proposal would amend the Ohio Constitution to require free, universal preschool for all four and five-year-olds who reside in the Buckeye State.

State Reps. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) and Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today hosted the Ninth Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Ohio Statehouse, as lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and hundreds of advocates and survivors from across the state gathered to raise awareness and discuss ways to further combat human trafficking in Ohio.